“How we think shows through in how we act.  Attitudes are mirrors of the mind.  They reflect thinking.”

~David Joseph Schwartz

This is not a happy topic. But it’s essential advice whether you’re 30 or 90.

If something happened to you tomorrow, could your family get into your digital life? I’m talking about your bank accounts, emails, crypto and a lifetime of memories stored on your phone or computer.

Big Tech and other companies won’t hand over your data or passwords, even to a spouse, without a hassle, if at all.

1️⃣ The 10-minute setup

Start with a Legacy Contact. Think of someone you trust who gets access only after you’re gone. Who is that? Good.

iPhone: Open Settings > tap [Your Name]. Tap Sign-In & Security > Legacy Contact. Go to Add Legacy Contact and follow the prompts. Google: Search for Inactive Account Manager in your Google Account settings. Choose how long Google should wait before acting (e.g., three months). Add up to 10 people to be notified, and choose which data (Photos, Drive, Gmail) they can download.

Apple and Google don’t help with banking, insurance, investment or other sites or apps. You need a solid password manager that offers emergency access features.

Open your Password Manager and look for Emergency Access. Add a Digital Heir: Enter the email of a spouse or trusted child. Set the Safety Delay: Choose a wait period, usually 7 days is the sweet spot. How it works: If your contact ever requests access, the app sends you an alert. If you’re fine, you hit Deny. But if you’re incapacitated and can’t respond within those seven days, the vault automatically unlocks for them.

Crypto: Without your seed phrases, that money is gone. Store them physically along with any instructions and receipts of you buying crypto with your estate paperwork. If you use a crypto hardware wallet, keep that in a fireproof safe (9% off, $68). Social media: On Facebook or Instagram, go to Settings > Memorialization. Choose to either have your account deleted or managed by a contact who can post a final tribute.

One more thing. Be sure someone knows the passcode to your phone. That’s important for 2FA codes, among other things.

$20 for your pain: Did your Verizon phone go into SOS-only mode last Wednesday and you couldn’t call, text or load anything for hours? You can get a $20 credit, but only if you open the My Verizon app and tap to accept. It’s per customer, not per line. And no, they won’t apply it automatically. So if your group chat went silent and you thought you were being iced out, go get your apology money now. LOL!

Speeding cameras are being installed and you will be ticketed for going 10 MPH while lights are flashing at the following schools beginning February 2nd:

Lincoln Academy on 10th Street

Crystal Lake Elementary and Middle School

Southwest Elementary and Middle School

North Lakeland Elementary

Lakeland High School

Lakeland Highlands Middle School

Sleepy Hill Elementary

Dixieland Elementary

Italian Bean Soup

Serves 2

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 large crushed garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 cups reduced sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups rinsed and drained cannellini beans
• 1 cup canned reduced sodium plum tomatoes
• Salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup orecchiette pasta
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Saute until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add broth, beans, and tomatoes. Break up tomatoes with the edge of a spoon. Bring to a simmer, lower heat to medium and cover pan with a lid. Simmer 5 minutes. While soup cooks, bring a large pot 3/4 full of water to a boil and add the pasta. Boil 8 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain. When soup is ready, add the pasta and simmer 3 minutes. Ladle warm soup into two soup bowls. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine ingredients in bowl. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Per serving: 574 calories (16 percent from fat), 10.1 g fat (2.2 g saturated, 3.8 g monounsaturated), 4 mg cholesterol, 28.4 g protein,97.4 g carbohydrates, 18.6 g fiber, 243 mg sodium.